GENERAL CHUN DOO HWAN

Whatever counsel the civilian leaders may have offered Ch'oe, the
military's position prevailed. Chun Doo Hwan, as head of the Defense
Security Command, had already replaced the army chief of staff in
December 1979 and had taken the command of the KCIA in April 1980.

Chun's methodical and speedy actions after May 17 clearly revealed
that he had a well-laid plan. He issued a decree closing down the
colleges and universities and prohibiting all political gatherings. All
publications and broadcasts were to receive prior censorship, criticism
of the incumbent and past presidents was outlawed, and the manufacture
and spreading of rumors were forbidden. Chun's plan aimed not only at
quelling demonstrations but also at destroying the power base of all
existing political figures and groups.

The arrest of Kim Dae Jung and other arch enemies of Park was to be
expected as soon as the military stepped in on May 17. But the arrest of
Kim Chong-p'il and other people who had been influential under Park came
as a total surprise.